Feather Falls Trail

Beware of TICKS! I was having to swipe ticks off of my dog during the whole hike (at one point there were 3 trying to get in his ear) and even though we were fighting them off, my husband and dog ended up with ticks on them once we got home. This was my 3^rd time hiking this trail and I had never noticed ticks before. So, make sure and use bug spray on yourself and check your pets!
Other than that the hike was amazing, as always. It’s so beautiful and just the right amount of challenging. I would suggest taking the short route there and the longer route back.
Make sure to being more than enough water– we brought 7 water bottles and ended up running out.
And the bathrooms in the parking lot are yuckie so be prepared to go out in nature.

We have been progressively getting more and more into hiking as a family. This past Sunday was Superbowl weekend, and as I am not a fan of football (hold the boos), we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and what was most likely going to be an empty trail.
This was my biggest hike yet. We went to Alamere Falls (8.5 mile hike) about a moth prior and I was exhausted all the next day. Since then I have been training (spin 3x per week, strength training) and felt like I was ready for this longer hike (~10 miles).
Man am I glad I went to those spin classes! This place is GORGEOUS! Especially with all of the recent rain. But that trail definitely makes you work for it. On the way in we did the 4.5 mile slight grade trail, and on the way back did the steeper 3.3 mile section of the loop. WOO! Those last couple miles of uphill were KILLER! But the level of personal accomplishment I feel is totally worth it!
All that aside, the trail and the falls are just breathtaking. The pictures of the falls really do not do it justice. Sitting on the overlook and peering over the edge, you really feel very small in the universe. It is truly awe-​inspiring. And along the way all of the mini waterfalls and creeks are so picturesque. And the ladybugs! Ladybugs everywhere by the bridge!
Final verdict — DO IT! Just know that if you are not in peak physical condition it will be challenging. Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and make sure your foam roller and Epsom salts are ready for the next day! Happy hiking!

Love this hike anytime of year … worth the drive and a great way to spend the day!

Awesome hike! Been here twice so far and had a great time both times. Has 2 trails you can take, either a more vigorous 3 mile trail or a more gradual 5 mile trail! Would definitely hike here again!

What a great hike!!! Both ways have their ups and downs but at the end you must go up to see the beautiful waterfall! This hike never gets old, between the people you meet, the ladybugs, and the salamanders, it’s always great! The views are amazing as you get close to the end capped off by the gorgeous view of the valley and Feather Falls.

I was really impressed by the powerful falls. Even during the drought (2015 April), I saw a good amount of water. The loop is 9 – 10 miles total. It is not strenuous, not much elevation gain and shady. However, there are a lot of poison oak. I am very sensitive to them, and I washed my body with tecnue but still got horrible rash. I recommend to wash both body and tools after a hike.
Parking lot is big and there is a restroom.
Trail is very popular, so you will see some people on a hike, and loop is simple, so unlikely to get lost, however, always better to have a map.

–Nice trail and quite shaded.
–The lookout place is pretty nice w/​the great view of the falls.
–I believe, the falls might dry by early summer.
–The good time to visit may be just during spring or winter.
–Take the clockwise loop, so while coming back the elevation is not all loaded up in the beginning.
–The parking lot is quite big.

Without a doubt the best hike in the Oroville area, though the Table Mountain hikes aren’t bad either. Around 7 miles in total. The vista point is absolutely stunning, and you can’t hike for more than a few hundred feet without finding an amazing photo opportunity. The two trains converge before heading up to the waterfall, don’t make the mistake of climbing up the stairs thinking they will take you back to the parking lot. They lead to a couple areas where people have camped, and beyond that just wilderness to get lost in. Enjoy your hike and be sure to take plenty of amazing pictures.

Butt kicking fun! With BEAUTIFUL scenery! (WORD TO THE WISE take the trail 3 miles in and the 4 mile back) :)

Awesome dog-​friendly hike, totally worth the 10 miles to see the breathtaking waterfall! I was surprised to see it’s in full force right now (January). Came on Friday and was the only one in the large parking lot at start and finish. A couple picnic areas, bear proof trash bins, and a building housing 2 pit toilets with lots of TP are at the trail head. No sinks or water. You’ll hike about ½ mi in before you see the split-​off for the Upper and Lower trail. Map is deceiving– it looks like it starts from the beginning. I took the Upper trail at start (almost all downhill) which was very easy but long, and the lower trail back. Lower trail back was mostly downhill and then uphill the last 1.5mi or so. It was tiring but not as strenuous as I expected. Following the loop this way will yield the least overall uphill hiking because if you take the lower loop to the falls, towards the end it has a lot of steep uphill. Although the Upper is more gradual, it’s a lot of uphill back and longer. The Upper trail also has views of Bald Rock Dome (lower trail was too foggy to see), a few nice bridges and a mini «falls» where you cross a bridge and see the Frey Creek sign. You’ll hike down into the valley and then up a bit to the top where there are views of the valley and tree line. You will come to an unmarked split in the trail, down is the Lower trail and if you continue up you’ll reach an outlook of Middle Fork Feather River and then you’ll hike down onto the Falls viewing platform. Great place to take a break with incredible views.
If you hike back up where the «viewing area» sign is, you can take the trail behind if to the actual top of the falls (it’s about an extra mile there and back). It’s a little tricky to find the top because most of the trails take you to pools at the top. You need to go left where it splits to get to the top. There are newts and frogs here and lots of algae which makes it very slippery. You have to cross the top of the stream that feeds into the falls to get to the edge and it’s very dangerous. It’s nearly impossible to get to the «cage» at the very edge so I wouldn’t recommend it. I don’t think it’s meant to get to. You’re only a few feet from the drop on slippery, highly sloped 5ft boulders so it’s dangerous and tricky to get there. Stick to the top of the boulders to get your pics-​still a great view.
Hiking back along the lower loop was not as scenic as the upper, but I was happy to shave off a mile and just get back. There’s a nice bridge, some streams along the trails, and lots of newts, so watch your step. The end is uphill, but not too bad. Entire hike was 10.5 miles and took us almost 5 hours (but we took a lunch break and stopped for a lot of pictures). Overall, highly recommended! The Falls were probably the most incredible thing I’ve seen in my life so far.

It was the perfect day to hike! The trail was not crowded, like I’d imagine summer would be! I totally suggest you take the trail that leads to the top of the waterfall! The view from the top is breathtaking! The lower trail is easy on the way up, but strenuous on the way back! I def recommend this hike on a fall day :)

Good hike! I recommend taking the 3.3 hike down and the 4.5 mile up. You should be in moderate shape as it is a challenge but very doable. Took about 3.5 hrs for us but we walk fast. Must bring OFF and H2O.

We camped right next to trail. Nice spot next to creek with picnic table and campfire pit. Area nice and clear for tents.
Hiking trail was really fun. Lower trail was closed so hiked on upper trail. Definitely a workout and didn’t reach waterfall because after camping on ground night before, we didnt get a good nights sleep.
So tip… hike trails first, then camp!

Went with the family over the weekend, and the hike definitely kicked my butt. Beginners take note: bring at least 2 bottles of water if not more, plenty of snacks, and wear comfortable shoes! It is a long hike. Also, keep in mind there are no bathrooms to and from the fall, just the bushes so girls bring tissue =)

Beautiful destination for the lady bug migration at lower Frey Creek for the winter! November — March! Spectacular… National Geographic in person!

OK, let’s just get this out in the open. DO NOT HIKE THIS EXPECTING THE CASINO TO BE AT THE BOTTOM. So, there I was, with my wife in a strikingly beautiful evening dress and I was in my rented tuxedo. We had reservations and were looking forward to a nice dinner. So you can imagine our surprise when we arrived at the parking area. «Oh well» I thought, «How far can it be?», so we started our walk down the trail. As it got dark and my wife began to stumble in her heels, her patience also began to wane. But, I kept up with the theme of «Not much further sweety!» which seemed reasonable. Finally, at about 11:30PM and not having found the casino, I began to suspect something wasn’t quite right. Luckily, I had some breath mints to keep us nourished for the long hike out. So, in a nutshell, this trail was horrible for high heels and formal wear. Don’t do it in formal wear. Trust me. And there is no buffet or smoke filled casino.

Feather Falls, is fantastic. People don’t seem ti know that in the Northern California Hikes guide book it is rated the hardest as a «butt kicker» and they don’t start early enough in the day, or with enough water. I actually carry extra water now, because each time I meet someone who thought is was a quick, easy little jaunt to the water fall.
I, my friends and family have been hiking this trail for years now. One of my favorites.
If you are taking kids, expect them to be TIRED at the end of the day. They often start running and end sleep walking! :D
If you are willing to put a little more into it, you can get up behind the falls and take a dipp … it is cold though! Great for those who head out in late summer!
We always loop, or take double on the long one.
happy hikes

I have hiked this trail 5 times. Outside of Yosemite, this has to be one of the best waterfalls in California. This is a loop trail. I prefer to do the complete loop clockwise which makes the hike in about 4 miles and the hike out about 5 miles. Of course the best time of year to see the full force of the falls is late April through May.
The falls overlook is a wooden deck, exposed to the sun. Bring all the hiking essentials, especially water and sunscreen. Depending on the time of year, watch out for poison oak and ticks.
I like to hike early (like at 8 am) to avoid crowds.
A side trail leads to the top of the falls.
And above all, don’t forget your camera.

Me, my boyfriend, and our dog started and ended with the lower loop trail, which is about a little over 7 miles total. The lower loop trail is pretty tough, especially during hot weather because it is steep going to and back. My butt is so sore!
Don’t bring the dog unless he is trained for strenuous exercise! There are also way too many mosquitoes-​I got bitten at least 23 times!
I would recommend putting some anti-​mosquito repellent on, snacks, and if it’s a super hot day bring a gallon of water for the dog with ice, plus at least 2 bottles of water for each person.
There are no water fountains or sinks either-​only bathrooms so make sure to bring lots of water (with ice preferably), otherwise the dog and/​or person can get dehydrated really quickly.
There are also tons of poison oak everywhere, so be aware of how those look like, and don’t touch any plants.
Unfortunately, you don’t get close enough to the waterfalls to touch it, only to look at it from afar.
The hike took us about 4 hours, including stops.
Overall, the trail was a really great workout and the fall was spectacular. I most likely won’t be coming back because of all the poison oak and mosquito bites I got but it is still a nice fall to see at least once-​just make sure you’re prepared!

Surprisingly well maintained trail! The main attraction on this trail is of course Feather Falls, the sixth highest waterfall in America. There’s a strenuous 3.3 mile trail to the falls or a more gradual 4.5 mile trail. I’d recommend taking the 4.5 mile trail to the falls because it’s a bit more scenic, and the 3.3 mile out when you «just want to get home.» The 3.3 mile trail has some spots where you can dip into the creek and play around in the water (look for red salamanders!) and watch out for snakes on the trail! (we saw an imposter coral snake; remember: red touches yellow, you’re a dead fellow — red touches black, you’re OK jack).
This trail does not have water or bathrooms along the way so plan accordingly. You are rewarded with a fantastic observation deck directly in front of the falls though!
Follow Lumpkin Road out and you can’t miss the trailhead. Check
for more information about this fantastic trail!